One of the names that sounds the most in FC Barcelona for the summer incorporation market 2025/26 is that of Joan García. The Blaugrana team is interested in reinforcing itself with the 24-year-old goalkeeper, who signed a stellar 2024/25 season with RCD Espanyol, consolidating himself as one of the best goalkeepers in Spanish football. In turn, his termination clause, which does not exceed 25 M€, makes him an attractive investment.
- JOAN GARCÍA'S NUMBERS IN THE 2024/25 SEASON WITH RCD ESPANYOL: 38 appearances, eight clean sheets and 51 goals conceded. He led LaLiga EA Sports with a total of 138 saves.
However, the Catalan team seemed to have a serious competitor in the bid for Joan García: Newcastle. And the 'Magpies' would be willing to reinforce their goal during the next summer market.
Newcastle prioritizes Trafford: Green light for Joan García's signing by Barcelona?
According to the British newspaper 'Daily Mail', the coach of Newcastle, Eddie Howe, would have already defined his priority to reinforce the goal, and it would not be precisely Joan García. The English coach would have as his first option James Trafford, current goalkeeper of Burnley, who would be the great objective of the English team.
This news could not be more positive for FC Barcelona, which sees how a heavyweight rival falls in the race for Joan García. Even, the Catalan club would have already sent the player a formal proposal: a contract for five seasons, with variable incentives depending on his individual performance. Among them, for example, a 'bonus' in case of debuting with the Spanish national team.
Espanyol will not facilitate Joan García's departure to Barça
Even so, the path of Barça will not be easy. RCD Espanyol is fully aware of the value of its goalkeeper, and beyond being inflexible in the negotiations, surely will not be willing to facilitate the departure of one of its most important elements to a direct rival, as has already hinted its coach, Manolo González. In recent statements to the program 'Ao Contraataque' of Radio Galega, he was clear:
"Maybe he is already sold, but from the club they have not told me anything. Personally, I doubt very much that he will sign for Barcelona. I'm not saying I would cut off a hand, but almost"
The final decision, in any case, will depend on Joan García himself, who does not look closed to the option of wearing the shirt of the Barcelona team, although he does not rule out listening to other clubs that have shown interest in him. Will teams like Arsenal or Aston Villa, which have also been linked to his name, take the step?
Joan García will prioritize minutes and sports stability in his decision
We will have to be attentive. What does seem clear is that Joan García will prioritize an environment that, in addition to being a competitive leap, offers him real guarantees of continuity and prominence under the sticks. Will Barça be able to offer them, already having two goalkeepers of good level in its squad? For now, it feels like a complex operation, although no scenario can be ruled out.